Tuesday, December 28, 1999

Name: Trister
Date: 12/31/99
Time: 4:49:32 PM

Comments

I think Larry is pissed. Maybe it's time for an acoustic jam to settle everyone down. Remember that a lack of enthusiasm is potentially far more devastating than being too loud.

Name: dave s
Date: 12/31/99
Time: 7:51:57 PM

Comments

god bless you andy trister---if i knew that playing in the agressive manor that i aspired to last week would've moved gindorf back i would have gone for that months ago.--anyway, if anyone thinks we havent matured as a band you are just not listening, moreover it whould be one thing to have a discussion about it just from memory but we have tapes and boy do we have tapes, yes even this weeks check out that death dont have no mercy, have fuckin' mercy on me...moreover, there have been dozens of non-acoustic nights where the volume has been tempered, every night is its own entity....while there may be immaturity in our blood it has nothing doto with the quality of play in fact it may be the exact thing that makes our energy flow the way it does---lets hope that whatever got into the water in the new jersey water system is pissed out by next week..seriously i love you all, love this band maybe if we just did a little reconfiguring everyone can be happy, there are few enough of us that that shouldn't be to hard.

Name: Trister
Date: 1/1/00
Time: 8:28:54 AM

Comments

Well, it's 01/01/00 and I'm still here and the lights are on and the water's flowing and the home page is still here. Happy new year, deadstein. Out nowhere the dead were on TV this morning. Waking up to the new millenium with Jerry singing Built to Last....how cool is that? By the way I officially quit smoking so if anyone sees me with a Marlboro on my mouth please beat the shit out of me.

I'll be happy to move, by the way, if anybody thinks that will help the maturity factor.

Name: Brotpen
Date: 1/1/00
Time: 2:34:41 PM

Comments

Well I guess the universe is still here so Deadstein can play another day. Happy New Year! I'd like to check out the Death Don't Have No Mercy and Russian Lullaby from last week so please somebody bring in the tapes.

Name: dave s
Date: 1/2/00
Time: 12:46:13 AM

Comments

hey i'd be happy to be more mature if anybody thinks it'll help the move factor

Name: larry brent
Date: 1/2/00
Time: 11:49:52 AM

Comments

It is in the interest of the future of Deadstein that I post this. The issues which I will raise are not easy to put into words or to deal with but I find my apathy growing at such an alarming rate that I fear to do nothing is now much more dangerous than beginning to go down the road I have chosen.

"god bless you Andy Trister---if i knew that playing in the aggressive manor (manner) that i aspired to last week would've moved gindorf back i would have gone for that months ago."

The Gind and I moving away is not a compliment and nothing to aspire to.

"--anyway, if anyone thinks we havent matured as a band you are just not listening"

Dave, I am afraid it is you who is not listening. I must frankly say that your drumming of the past several months has been quite unsettling. You never look at Scotty or ever seem to lock in and work as a unit with him. Your dynamic level is always 110% and You and to a slightly lesser degree Kevin are dominating and overpowering the music. This intensity has a time and a place( the other one, scarlet, let it grow etc.)and is certainly part of our style, but the consistent level of intensity is sickening. If you noticed, as Wharf Rat began this week, there was an extended vamp on the two introductory chords that took place until Trister finally started singing. That wasn't by design, and I wanted to sing that song, but I just couldn't muster the motivation or attempt to sing that song over the ruckus going on in the room.

"while there may be immaturity in our blood it has nothing do to with the quality of play in fact it may be the exact thing that makes our energy flow the way it does"

It may be that it makes your energy flow in a desirable way but I think you speak for yourself and possibly Kevin but that does not represent the desires of the group as a whole. That is clear and undeniable.

To quote the Gind:

"You would figure we would mature musically in 10 years but what do you expect ? Immaturity seems to be in our blood. I have to agree with Larry, it's a screaming match in there and not an attempt to make good synergistic music. There has to be more when playing for the good of others rather than the good for yourself. Scoring goals on a losing team get you no satisfaction when compared to getting assists on a winner. We need to play to make the freak next to you better instead of holding his head down under water by you selfish play"

I have to agree with his interpretation and I think Scotty and Andy do too.

So what do we do? It may already be too late. I may have pushed things over the edge with these comments. Many bands cannot tolerate and survive the internal emotional, psychological and interpersonal stresses involved in these relationships; eventually begin to fight and die. I have felt like blowing off or out of Deadstein the last few weeks and that is really scary to me. I don't want to loose the time and fun we have nurtured here over the years but I can't sit by and let it degenerate into something that gives me more indigestion than inspiration. Maybe you and Kevy should be enclosed in some sort of soundproofing, and the two of you can play as loud and reckless as you want, and we on the outside can dial in a reasonable and appropriate level of volume for the given song. Maybe there should be some other outlet for the style of playing that you want to do, but I don't think it really fits with what 80% of the rest of us are going to do.

The ball is in your court, If you are happy with the current state of things, make no changes. If you should choose that path, know that the result may be that far from what any of us expect. Deadstein has always been an anarchy, it is no one person's band. I know personally that any attempt to steer or control it is met with amazing resistance and always a dangerous proposition. These words have not been written lightly and I hope each one of us will atleast consider the points I have made and look into themselves to see what we can each do to help each other enjoy this as much as possible. It is a special gift to be nurtured and respected and it is with this further cultivation in mind I have made the statements.

I hope we can all go forward together from here.

LB

Name:
Date: 1/2/00
Time: 3:30:01 PM

Comments

THUD

Name: KEVIN
Date: 1/2/00
Time: 5:49:13 PM

Comments

You know what I find unbelievable? That after 9 years of doing what we do (and in the scheme of the world, what we do is pointless) some of us still feel the need to bring real-world issues into our anti-reality world-of-Freak. We are not a band that hopes some day to 'make it', we are not a band that has anything of our own to say (we do not write our own songs), we are a bunch of guys who were, or have become friends, and have a common musical interest. Our musical talent and abilities are as uneven as our emotional make-ups, but somehow (the true magic of Deadstein) when we play together the parameters that encompass the basic analysis of 'music' do not truly apply and we kick-ass. Kindness, Friendship, Comedy and Music describe more accurately what happens on given Tuesday nite, than Melody, Harmony, Rhythm and Timbre. Thus, the net result can not be judged in musical terms. I could be sarcastic and point out that maybe 'getting a life' might be more beneficial than writing an essay about perceived volume, but I won't. Because, obviously people still care deeply about this Freak-Show we call Deadstein and I applaud and share that sentiment. What do we do to change the frowns to smiles? That becomes the real issue. Battle lines and drawing-up sides are real-world procedures. They do not apply here. Understanding our own perceived unhappiness is the key to resolving this boil-on-the-butt of Deadstein. I am concerned that L.L.Brent is unhappy, but in his own words, 'Ma nish Ta Na'. Does this unhappiness really have to do with Dave & Me? 9 years ago it was pick-ups, 6 years ago it was amps. 3 amps later it's quitting cigarettes and now it's me & Dave. Hey, I've been more than understanding and willing to bend for the good of the band. My gear and volume level have been pushed all around the room by every member of the band for 9 years. My ego & I don't have a problem with that because the net result was perceived good for all. But, when I become the quick answer for what is wrong...I must speak up. If I think I hear us out of tune, I check my tuning first. If I can't hear everything, I move or adjust my volume first. I, first, am responsible for how I perceive the experience. In all the years I've heard L.L.Brent complain about his sound or the PA, I have never seen him turn a knob. TheGind didn't like where he was, he moved. He no longer liked his new location, he moved again. Is he satisfied? Did it solve his problem? Who knows? But he did something about it. Take some responsibility. I understand frustration, when perceived enjoyment is not realized, but the fact that I can play more than quarter-notes and that Dave is powerful, is not ruining Deadstein. We are a big band (7 pieces), how quiet can it get? I have explained many times how and why we hear what we do in a room, but the symptoms receive more discussion than the disease. It is as much acoustics as it is technology, but it is all perception. Why should one week sound different from the last? No one touches the equipment. No one adjusts levels. Did Dave play soft last week and loud this week? Do I switch styles from Danny Partridge to Flea? We have played the same music and sounded the same way for 9 years. Nothing monumental has changed except perception. I thought Trister was much too soft last week, he thought he was way too loud. Could it be because I was sitting in a chair tucked away in the corner? Probably. Dave is bad for us because he plays with balls? Is Scotty good for us because he is sleepy? I just don't get it. I think there is a basic ideological misunderstanding at the root of this. Wanting vs. expectation. I don't 'want' anything from Deadstein. I've come to 'expect' from Deadstein a certain level of Kindness, Friendship, Comedy and Music, weekly. That's all. I'd be a pompous fool to 'want' more. Why? Because there is no more. Fish don't fly and bears do shit in the woods. You can't have what is not there. We don't rehearse, we play once a week for 4 hours, we have no leader, we have no agenda or plan beyond our freaky Credo. Why is that not enough? It is more than anything, anyone else we know has. We are the envy of every middle-aged man we know. Trister, the new-kid-on-the-block, sees it quite clearly "...a lack of enthusiasm is potentially far more devastating than being too loud." TheGind was quick to point out our lack of maturity; in the words of me,'adoy'. Who made maturity a goal? We are SPOC, who, just by our very existence, define immaturity. We have the whole rest of our 'real world' lives to be mature and 'want' things, Deadstein is our self-made oasis, where for a couple of hours a week, we can live in a world we miss dearly. The world of male adolescence. It faintly echoes the days when you could hang out with your best-friend and party and talk about music and play guitar and do stuff you really like, while the responsibilities of working for a living and wives and children were a distant 'bag' someone else was into. People, people, please take deep breath and relax. Do not be distracted by pet peeves and wild goose chases. You want me to turn down? Fine, I'll do it, I've done it before. But, do not make mountains out of molehills. There is no great threat to Deadstein, unless you make one. In spite of all this cyber-babbling, Deadstein rocks, the 'tapes don't lie'. I look forward with Greatful Deadication to playing and hanging out with all you guys in the new year. I truly enjoy the friendships I have with each and everyone of you, with that I say:"Shut up and play 'yer guitar".

Name: larry brent
Date: 1/2/00
Time: 6:49:46 PM

Comments

If I could shut up and hear my guitar I would just play it.You have been cajoled, teased, ignored and finally confronted. It is about musical maturity in an ensemble sense . If you want to play with yourselves, do it somewhere else. You don't need me or anyone else to do what your doing. If you want to play with the rest of us get with the program or get your own program. Do you think I am alone in my appraisal or am I the one willing to try and put these feelings into words ? Think about it. Do you care enough about Deadstein to stop playing so selfishly. Open your ears, your friends are calling out to you. We have all made sacrifices for the greater good of Deadstein. I have given up alot of space to play with and make room for Andy. All I am asking is that you all make a similar sacrifice now. The tapes DON'T lie. If your looking for wildy cacaphonuos stew of musical slop, then you've got it. That's what Deadstein is now and I want more, so does just about everyone else .

"In all the years I've heard L.L.Brent complain about his sound or the PA, I have never seen him turn a knob" Let's ignore the amount of money I have Spent on equipment over the years, did I too not move last week and many times before. You may recall Dennis telling us to place foam insulation over the amps if we wanted to play that loud. So as far as adjusting the PA, it is a bit diffficult when singing on the opposite side of the room.

"My gear and volume level have been pushed all around the room by every member of the band for 9 years. My ego & I don't have a problem with that because the net result was perceived good for all. But, when I become the quick answer for what is wrong...I must speak up. " This is far from a quick answer, more like a festering chronic condition. You have never held your tongue about anything, and while in the past you have been willing to turn down on a minimal level for a short period, enough is enough. I'm tired of rolling my eyes and giving up enjoying myself and the music.

"but the fact that I can play more than quarter-notes and that Dave is powerful, is not ruining Deadstein. We are a big band (7 pieces), how quiet can it get? " How TOGEHTER and TIGHT can it get? Alot. Do you think we can not get any better? Have you given up trying. This is a community and our actions effect more than just ourselves. Ya, it is not your average band, we don't try to work or write songs, but I want to enjoy the music for what it is and right now that is not enough. Poll your mates, see if my comments are the4 individual rantings of someone who will never be satisfied or do they accurately represent the feelings and thoughts of some of your closest and most important friends. I think the latter.

Name: dave s
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 12:03:06 AM

Comments

Name: dave s
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 12:24:29 AM

Comments

i'll try to make this short..i went out to eat with johnny on sat night, he told there was somekind of rift within the band as per a conversation he had with scotty--sides were been taken, basically kevin and i against everyone...i was surprised to hear it, why was i suprised, because as anyone who has read anything i've written shouldve known--my comment to LARRY G (MEANT ONLY FOR LARRY G)about moving, was meant tongue in cheeck..and i ended my post with nothing but love for all, stating matter of factly that we are a small enough group to make everyone happy----little did i think that it would lead to the negative psychotic tirade of all time basically just coming shy of having one member of the band give other members a you leave or i'll leave ultimatum----the issue now is something bigger, no else has posted about this and larry brent has pretty much taking it upon himself to appear to speak for all who havent posted---if thats not true the time to speak up is now and it has never been more necessary !!!

Name: larry brent
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 12:52:51 AM

Comments

No tirade Dave, just a carefully crafted, delicately worded attempt to save something I love. Do you care enough to act in a productive manner. My statements were neither a "tirade", "negative" or "psychoyic". No ultimatum's have ever been or are currently being proferred by me or anyone else. The playing is so out of control I can't even face into the room. If you think my sentiments are mine alone, re-read Larry G's comments above. It's as plain as the stick of Patchouli on Johnny.

Name: scott
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 9:20:35 AM

Comments

I will make this short. The truth of the matter is "YES" the volume and pace of the music is way out of control. Yes, this subject has come up on numerous occasions by the majority of the band. L.B's post as always puts fire into the flame, but he's not wrong.How many times has Trister commented on how loud we're playing???? From day 1. No one really took it to heart. Yes we're S.P.O.C. carrying on what a lot of people don't have anymore to treasure.But what L.B.is saying is why can't we improve the quality of our playing,listening to try and better ourselves? Kevy's response is not entirely wrong either.We all understand what Deadstein is all about.And I wouldn't let anyone take that away from us.This is not about taking sides, it's merely about having everybody listen up and taking some constructive critisizm, myself included....zzzzzzzz When we walk downstairs, one of the first things we want to do is tune up and play. Not have a shouting match verbally or musically. We all have our own way of communicating with one another, and we should be thankful that there's not millions of dollors involved or this could get real ugly. We need to respect each others feelings and try to get to Deadstein to the next plataeu. I think by now we all know what needs to be addressed. Even if it means playing a tune and adjusting accordingly until all partys are happy. Like I said this will be short. So I lied.. I look forward to Thursday. Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

Name: Trister
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 9:56:39 AM

Comments

Holy shit...what the hell is wrong with everybody?

Should I be looking for a new band? I like the deadstein experience. I like Dave's aggressive drumming...he doesn't do it all the time and it's nice to stir the pot. Kevin's bass playing is unique, without it this band would be completely different. I like it. Scotty's finesse is scary good at times. LLB's vocals are the best we have, it would be hard to get on without them. When he works with me, we do some cool dual stuff. The Gind's boobyisms are haunting...sometimes I think Weir is next to me. Rich adds texture and melody that is smooth and necessary.

Like I've said before, nothing is likely to change. The reason why and the basic truth behind that is WE SUCK. It's ok to suck, by the way, lots of bands do. Listen to a Smash Mouth CD if you don't believe me. We could be better, but is has nothing to do with volume....it's about commitment and attitude. Commitment to improve which involves discussion, rehersal, occasionally stopping a song to get it right, basically the things I never see this band doing. Commitment to have a positive attitude...every song is a new chance, a clean page. If you diddn't have a good time the song before brush it off and get jiggy with the next one.

To quote Charles Swindoll: "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attidue on life. Attitde, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that certain people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." Larry Brent, I appreciate your concerns and tribulations, but I humbly suggest you read that twice.

Basically, we're getting out of it a lot more than we're putting into this thing. Your glass is half full, Deadstein! As far as sides being drawn, nobody has tried to recruit me so I don't know what the hell is going on. All I know is I agree with Kev in that we are lucky to have this. If you're not having fun then you're missing the boat...this whole scene is about exactly that.

By the way I would like to see the Gind's comments on this since he stirred the pot. I've said enough...probably too much.

PS if anybody sees me with a Marlboro in my mouth on Thursday please beat the shit out of me.

Name: Trister
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 9:57:36 AM

Comments

Holy shit...what the hell is wrong with everybody?

Should I be looking for a new band? I like the deadstein experience. I like Dave's aggressive drumming...he doesn't do it all the time and it's nice to stir the pot. Kevin's bass playing is unique, without it this band would be completely different. I like it. Scotty's finesse is scary good at times. LLB's vocals are the best we have, it would be hard to get on without them. When he works with me, we do some cool dual stuff. The Gind's boobyisms are haunting...sometimes I think Weir is next to me. Rich adds texture and melody that is smooth and necessary.

Like I've said before, nothing is likely to change. The reason why and the basic truth behind that is WE SUCK. It's ok to suck, by the way, lots of bands do. Listen to a Smash Mouth CD if you don't believe me. We could be better, but is has nothing to do with volume....it's about commitment and attitude. Commitment to improve which involves discussion, rehersal, occasionally stopping a song to get it right, basically the things I never see this band doing. Commitment to have a positive attitude...every song is a new chance, a clean page. If you diddn't have a good time the song before brush it off and get jiggy with the next one.

To quote Charles Swindoll: "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attidue on life. Attitde, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is that we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past...we cannot change the fact that certain people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude...I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it." Larry Brent, I appreciate your concerns and tribulations, but I humbly suggest you read that twice.

Basically, we're getting out of it a lot more than we're putting into this thing. Your glass is half full, Deadstein! As far as sides being drawn, nobody has tried to recruit me so I don't know what the hell is going on. All I know is I agree with Kev in that we are lucky to have this. If you're not having fun then you're missing the boat...this whole scene is about exactly that.

By the way I would like to see the Gind's comments on this since he stirred the pot. I've said enough...probably too much.

PS if anybody sees me with a Marlboro in my mouth on Thursday please beat the shit out of me.

Name: LG's inital comment
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 12:35:30 PM

Comments

Come October 2000, Deadstein will embark on it's second decade which is quite an accomplishment. You would figure we would mature musically in 10 years but what do you expect ? Immaturity seems to be in our blood. I have to agree with Larry, it's a screaming match in there and not an attempt to make good synegistic music. There has to be more when playing for the good of others rather than the good for yourself. Scoring goals on a losing team get you no satisfaction when compared to getting assists on a winner. We need to play to make the freak next to you better instead of holding his head down under water by you selfish play. It would be nice to have as a goal to make better music in 2000 instead of showing off individual prowess of how many notes can be played in a second.

Grow up Deadstein!!!! It's about time.

Name: Larry G.
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 2:47:22 PM

Comments

To start with, I really wasn't trying to stir the pot with this posting as much as I try to comment on the music of the night, as I recall it. This way, the night is a memory for us years down the line. There has obviously been talk like this before so this is nothing new from me. The few comments about growing up was more of a reflection of the passing of 1999 as I was writing the posting on 12/31/99 about to go out for the New Years Eve. I was reflecting on where we came from for the past 9 and change years we have played.

I still think we are immature in our attitudes when playing. For the most part we have enough talent to simulate the Grateful Dead music we play, that's Grateful Dead. It's all about attitude, like Andy states, and that is something we have control over. Our problem is we all bring way too much to the music. It's like it's a giant slab on concrete that we need to chisle away at to hear to music underneath the oppresively powerful, yet dull facade. The music would be so much more pleasurable, Grateful Dead like, it it were a bunch of smaller pieces that delicately fit together to form the structure like fine lace or crystal. We just play with so little class, grace and elegance, as the Grateful Dead did. I keep saying Grateful Dead, because that is the music we play. Take a look at the setlists. If we were doing the Who, Zeppelin, Limp Biscuit, Allmans, it would be different. I would out of my league to comment. Then you could say, "Larry grow up and play so cacophony." I have heard a lot of Grateful Dead in my life and it was the </b>novelty<b> of hugh energy that make the high energy moments hot. The music for the most part is jazzy, spacy and cool. Head banging it was not.

It was the modesty that they played with that gave the music its humility. Ordered chaos with sensitivity of a freshly fallen snowflake gave the music it's value. We have a snowball, not a snowflake. That is our problem.

Believe me I'm not trying to pick sides upset the boat, I'm just calling it as I hear it. I love coming to Deadstein, It's alot of fun but that's is no excuse why when we actually do play we can't concentrate, try hard to make the band better. I think It can be better by improving our attitudes when we play. Because we don't rehearse, we are SPOC, or should be happy that we have what we have is no reason why it cannot be better with a little brain power.

The answer is certainly not in playing your instrument more impressively to prove your macho ability. There are moments for that by they are moments that should be few and far between and should be cherished so the are recongnizably different from the norm.

I closing, Shaquille O'Neal has been one the best individual players for years but the Lakers were never going anywhere until Phil Jackson showed him the forrest through the trees. Now I assume the Lakers will begin to dominate as a team. It's doesn't matter what an individual does well. It's all about attitude, I couldn't agree with Andy anymore, and that is where I think we are immature and it should be easy to change because it's not physical.

Can't wait for Thursday when we can discuss what we'll be eating.

P.S.

I say "here-heare" to Trister and his smoking quitting because I hated that buring cigarette he hardly smaoked in the ashtray. I don't mind smoking, but if you're gonna do it, you might as well suck it down. Howie Heitner always called them "sticks of time."

Name: The Florida Freakster
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 3:32:37 PM

Comments

Hey guys. I am back from the great southeastern U. S. peninsula we call Florida. I see that we've been actively utilizing the posting space. I am glad that these comments are not directed towards myself. I am sensitive but I am learning to overcome it. Some of these comments can be perceived as somewhat stinging. But I see them as healthy. It is good that we all feel comfortable stating our honest feelings. I think that we have all demonstrated a high level of maturity here and I am proud of all of you. I am looking forward to flying my freak flag high and I hope that I can entertain you with it (my freak flag.)

"It is a mark of a superior mind to disagree and yet be friendly."

This is a creed that I try to live by and I am pleased to see that Deadstein does too.

Jonathan

Jonathan

Name:
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 3:47:56 PM

Comments

Hey, Johnny shove it up your self-involved ass. That is your comment? I'm glad it's not me? You selfish shallow bastard. Your creed is also shared by the zombies that sell flowers at the airport. Stay out of the big boys games. Is that honest enough for you?

Name: Trister
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 3:58:16 PM

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Big boys put their names on their posts, you coward. Leave Johnny alone or I'll kick your ass. Did I mention that I quit smoking? I have rage and lack of nicotine on my side....

What does SPOC mean, anyway?

Name: KEVIN
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 4:03:32 PM

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My only regret in that post is that I clicked before I signed it. SPOC=Stoned Piece Of Crap.

Name: Kathy McAndrews
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 4:07:45 PM

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Thanks for making me laugh. You guys are funny. I especially love when that cute guy from Westport, CT sings. He's got a great ass!!!!!

Name: KEVIN
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 4:11:54 PM

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Kindness, Friendship, Comedy & Music.

Get into it.

Name: Jonathan
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 4:50:51 PM

Comments

Kevy,

I think that the zombies at the airport also speak your creed about "Kindness, Friendship, Comedy and Music." I'm afraid, however, that you are not exhibitin your "Kindness" portion of your creed very well. Your comments towards me are unkind. However they do not deter my love for you. Nothing ever will.

Jonathan

Name: dave s
Date: 1/3/00
Time: 5:49:39 PM

Comments

...and moreover, no one can say what "does" or "does not" sound better-, you can only say what you like better-its subjective--polling people doesnt do anything but create a majority opinion not a CORRECT opinion---i.e.---hitler, slavery and celine dion

ps i'm all for practicing and working things out, however the precedent is when the slipnot was work out, those many years ago i was told "drummers really dont need to be there" and i came back in to this band not expecting any different, however i would love if that were different

Name: dave s
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 12:47:20 AM

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...and one more thing, i think we should make it a rule not to airout things like this week, in the way we did, its not that i don't think it should be done in a public forum, afterall its a public furom of 41....its just so counterproductive to go through the rigors of "he said this, and the other thinks that, and blah blah blah blah blah...lets wait until we are all together, which is every week......ok raise your hand if you thought i wrote that johnny stuff--damn i wish i did

Name: dave s
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 12:54:28 AM

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(continuation of previous post)---it had such great cadence---"shove it up your self-involved ass"--what a great opening------seriously, you got to hand to johnny, at the risk of the being ripped to shreads on the posting page--something which he hates, he took that chance that he could change the focus to him and he did---he's a martyr a saint even...and did anyone notice no one wrote anything about the subject after his post----oops except for me--what a dick

if you write that i'm wrong about this---i'll twist your little rigaletto

Name: Brotpen
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 2:04:05 AM

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Here’s my two cents on the subject. In the words of Bob Marley, "Simmer down" (1963). The ironic thing is that there’s usually at least one song per night where we accidentally play with dynamics and expression. The trick for us will be to do it more. For example, last week’s Russian Lullaby was very supple and subtle (if my memory serves correctly). We generally do a good job with dynamics in the ballads.

We could certainly all ease up a bit and look at each other more for cues without sacrificing any intensity or emotion. It’s a natural tendency to tense up and push things and feel uncomfortable about looking at each other. It takes a bit of conscious control to stay relaxed, stop pushing for a bit and let things breathe. I try to be alert to when I suddenly realize I’m probably playing too much or pushing too hard and then take a psychic deep breath and let up for a second. Then things tend to fall into place and I can feel where the true groove is.

But that ain’t the whole story. I’ve said before, we need to position ourselves and the speakers better and we need to baffle speakers and drums and insulate the cement surfaces that reflect sound somehow.

In conclusion: Deadstein can definitely go from the ridiculous to the sublime and vice-versa. During those occasional moments when we’ve got the groove, the feeling, and the control to actually arrive at our SOUND, it’s awesome and inspiring. The balance is not that far away at any given time. Shit, if it were easy, everybody would do it. In reality almost every "professional" band that came out during the last 25 years doesn’t have a clue how to deal with these issues. They all tend to "crowd the beat". We, however, have got the clues, we just don’t pay the dues.

Until Thursday, chaps.

Name: dave s
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 2:17:50 AM

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that's telling us !!!

Name: KEVIN
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 7:41:22 AM

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Unsettling clarity and reason from Brotpen.

Who knew?

Name: Trister
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 9:08:49 AM

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A truly Herculean posting job this week.

Name: scott
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 8:06:46 PM

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Not to change the subject, and man' has there been subject. Next week I can't play on Tuesday 1/11 Knicks vs Bulls at MSG. How about Thursday again?

Name: KEVIN
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 9:08:57 PM

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You got that right, honey.

Name: Larry G.
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 9:31:35 PM

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Who made a New Year's resolution to post more in the year 2000? I know I didn't but I appreciate the effort. You know as one century fades into another and as one week fades into another we may lose some of this intense dialogue that we got going this week. A bit too much bubbly? Probably not. Any way, this kind of intense discussion would be so well suited for the Forums section of Deadstein.com rather than on our weekly page.

Much like the settling down of the music, this would take a break of tradition but in the long run maybe for the better. The Forums section isn't necessarily temporaly linear, according to time, but can have branches off of the main subject, when used correctly. As you can tell, this week would have many branches which could capture the focus on specific subjects a bit more accutely. The music discussion should go on in the studio, with our mouths, but especially with our instruments. But it's great on the net like this. I would hate to see it revert to private email.

I'll try to post another "Grow up Deadstein!!!! It's about time." related post in the forums to see if it catches. I'll break out my zen book for some good guidance. We could all use another few jolts of that stuff. So check out the Forums page and participate.

Name:
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 9:32:32 PM

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Click here all <a href="http://omhs.mhd.hr.state.or.us/osh/"></a>

Name:
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 9:33:57 PM

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Try again, click here http://omhs.mhd.hr.state.or.us/osh/

Name: Larry G.
Date: 1/4/00
Time: 11:46:55 PM

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I posted a chapter on collaboration from Zen Guitar in the Forums section ( http://Deadstein.com/bbs ) Get jiggy with it and remember we are only white belts learning to realize we are only white belts. We need to take those other belts off.

Name: Patrick
Date: 1/8/00
Time: 2:38:15 AM

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